Liverpool and Schalke have confirmed that defender Joel Matip will move to Anfield this summer.

The ECHO reported on Monday morning that the 24-year-old Cameroon international had signed a pre-contract agreement with the Reds.

And confirmation arrived this afternoon, with the German side confirming Matip would leave the club at the end of the season, and Liverpool confirming that he would move to Merseyside, where he will sign a four-year contract.

Schalke manager Horst Heldt said: "Since May last year we have had many intensive discussions, both with Joel and his advisor. It was soon clear that factors we could not influence would be decisive in Joel's decision.

"Unfortunately we can’t move Schalke into the Premier League, otherwise I think he’d probably have renewed his contract with us. So it’s just about learning something new, maybe re-defining himself.

"It goes without saying that we’re all very sad today, but it was always clear that Joel would make a fundamental decision for his footballing career."

In a statement released by the Bundesliga club, Matip explained that his only reason for leaving his only senior club was a desire to try something new.

"I have always said that I would only leave Schalke for one reason: to get to know something new," he said. "I never even considered a move within the Bundesliga.

"Although my decision is definitely not easy, I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step.

"Schalke 04 will remain a big family for me. I was always proud to play for this great club.

"I think now is the time to try something new, to go abroad to a traditional club in a superb league; I’m excited for what’s coming in summer. But for now I’m focusing on the here and now in Schalke.

"I will do everything in the next few months to get the most out of this season so I do not feel guilty."